Amphiist Self-Assessment

Give yourself 1 point for each “Yes” you answer. Add up your total out of 10. A score of 8 or more means you’re likely an Amphiist today!

Do you see value in exploring multiple perspectives before making an informed decision on a particular topic?
Do you believe there are good people in every group (whites, blacks, liberals, conservatives, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, etc.)?
Do you believe emotionally intelligent people are generally happier and more likely to reach their full potential?
Do you believe that attaining knowledge helps us gain power and control over our destinies?
Do you think movies from the 1900s–1940s had higher quality stars and plots compared to today’s movies?
Do you believe people should be free to do whatever they wish sexually, as long as it’s consensual, and accept the benefits or consequences?
Do you believe non-violent communism or socialism would serve the world better than capitalism?
Do you believe the arts (paintings, literature, movies, songs, etc.) help us feel beauty, connect to the divine, and realize our full potential?
Do you believe prison should be for extreme cases only, and restorative justice (like Indigenous sentencing circles) is better than retributive justice?
Do you believe we should never judge others and should always practice forgiveness rather than seek revenge?

Your Score: ____ / 10

You need at least 8/10 to be considered an Amphiist today!

If you disagree with any premise or think this quiz reflects a false viewpoint, feel free to share your thoughts!

Please share this assessment and the Amphiist Doctrine with friends and family to spread the conversation.

Email your score or feedback to: jaclynhollandstrauss@hotmail.com

Share on Social Media

My Brand

I am an amphiist, which I define as someone who looks at both sides of issues (it's a Greek word). However, I have my own expanded definition, which means that I believe in three interrelated concepts, which, when taken together, inform an amphiist viewpoint. Abraham Maslow talked about self-actualization, a person reaching their highest potential. Thomas Carlyle discussed natural aristocracy, which is a principle the Founding Fathers created with regard to the United States, that a person did not have to be of royal birth to have merit; it was the content of their character that counted. And scholars Mayer and Salovey came up with the concept of emotional intelligence, an idea popularized by Daniel Goleman. We should have control over our emotions, and see the bigger picture. All of these together make up an amphiist, and I apply this reasoning to politics, entertainment, etc. I defend the oppressed by offering an alternative perspective. I am currently raising funds for publication of an Amphiist newspaper, the primary focus of which will be anti-extremism. We need to find common ground. We need to stop thinking in terms of liberals against conservatives. Right against left. Men against women. One race against another. One religion against another. If you would be interested in contributing, please consider supporting my work at Paypal via jaclyncarter2005@gmail.com.

Testimonials

Just finished. I am humbled by your story (Catherine's story). My mind is left in a whirlwind of thoughts. I understood the pain, the misery. The path from victim to victor, I applaud you (Catherine). Really, I am speechless. You have a brilliant mind. Your talent is astounding. You were sent to this earth to be a positive influence for others, that I am certain of.

I'm sitting in a restaurant in Green Bay Wisconsin and just finished your book. WOW WOW WOW! So freaking amazing. You have so captured the nature of the marginalized...your postscript at the end WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT. Your book spoke to me at a heart level and encouraged me about my own feelings of insignificance. Thank you so much for writing this very heart touching work of art. You are an amazing person who I would be proud to have not just living on but running my island all day every day. In short, your book is AWESOME!!!!

One of my favourite things about this book is how the author described the characters. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. It's such an important message. No matter what our religious beliefs—even if we have no religious beliefs—He is aware of us, He loves us and He talks to each of us. We are His. The author did a fantastic job with it!